The Life Foundation

We are currently in our 8th year of recruiting and training volunteers of all ages and backgrounds to work overseas for week long to 4 month projects.

Who are we?
We began as a very small organisation in November 2003 with the aim of supporting orphaned and abandoned children in Romania. We still support these same children but over the years, we have been lucky enough to accumulate support from commercial companies, universities, third sector support agencies; and hundreds of individuals, which has enabled us to expand and grow into the organisation we are today. Although our core ethos has not changed, we now strive to support four projects in Romania, Bulgaria and India and we are always looking for new challenges! In 2007, we formalised the structure of our organisation and registered as a UK Social Enterprise and we are currently in the process of converting to a charity under the name of The Life Foundation. We support the work of local governments, charities, youth groups, and independent out-reach programmes which aim to improve the lives of people in need of our support.

Where do we operate?
Our longest standing project, and the inspiration for our organisation, is based in the Olt region of Romania, in the towns of Slatina, Caracal and Cezieni. We also work in the rural areas surrounding the town of Bacau in Romania, in a slum in Hyderabad in India and most recently in Pleven, Bulgaria. Whilst these places are all extremely different in history and current status, each have their own individual need which is being met by many of the organisations that work there. Visit the individual project pages to find out more about each of our projects and how you can get involved.

How do we do it?
We work with non-specialist volunteers of all ages from a variety of backgrounds. We are also lucky enough to have a growing number of specialist volunteers largely involved with the health, education and social care sectors in the UK and abroad. Together our volunteers use their wide variety of experience, knowledge and most importantly enthusiasm, to improve the quality of life for many people experiencing hardship around the world. The beneficiaries of our programmes include children and adults with learning disabilities living in residential institutions, children and their families living in rural poverty, and a community of 100,000 people living in slum conditions in India. Our volunteer network consists of over 400 volunteers from a variety of backgrounds and everyone who joins us will receive comprehensive training before volunteering abroad. Our organisation has grown so much since 2003 and this is largely due to the dedication of our volunteers. We hope to see our Overseas and UK work continue to grow and expand over the forthcoming years.

Why do we it?
Life is quite unique as its driving force has always been a dedicated community of volunteers giving up their free time and knowledge to make sure our work continues to be of the highest standard. We are motivated by our love for the many amazing people we have been privileged enough to watch develop and grow up into the children and adults they are today! As students and professionals within our chosen professions, we have the potential to influence the future of our disciplines as well as improve the future for people living in harmful environments. We are making a difference to people who currently have to endure a troubled life. By giving them a voice and support we can start building a brighter future for them and so can you!